UL Test Descriptions
- D-495 (ASTM D-495 arc resistance)
The number of seconds that a material resists the formation of a surface conducting path when subjected to a continuous arc of high voltage, low current characteristics. - CTI (comparative tracking index)
The voltage which causes tracking on a material after 50 drops of 0.1% ammonium chloride solution has fallen on the surface of a specimen between two electrodes. - HVTR (high voltage arc tracking rate)
The number of arc rupture exposures (standardized as to electrode type and shape and electric circuit) which are necessary to ignite a material when they are applied at a standard rate, either on the surface of the material or at a specified distance from it. - HVTR (high voltage arc tracking rate)
The rate in mm/min that a tracking path can be produced on the surface of the material under standardized test conditions. Note is made if ignition of the material takes place. - HWI (hot wire ignition)
The number of seconds needed to ignite standard specimens which are wrapped with resistance wire that dissipates a specified level of electrical energy. - RTI (relative thermal index)
Materials are investigated with respect to retention of certain critical properties (e.g., dielectric strength, flammability, impact strength, and tensile strength) as part of a long term thermal-aging program conducted in accordance with Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. Standard for Polymeric Materials-Long Term Property Evaluations (UL746B). The end-of-life of a material at each test temperature in this program has been assumed to be the time when the value of the critical property has decreased to 50% of its original (as received) value. The temperature index shown in the individual recognition correlates numerically with the temperature in degrees C above which the material is likely to degrade prematurely when based on a comparison with similar results on a material which has had acceptable service experience. More than one Relative Thermal Index may be appropriate for a given material depending on the property requirements for a given application.
UL94 Criteria Summary
| Criteria | HB | V-2 | V-1 | V-0 | 5VB | 5VA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of bar specimens as received | 3 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Number of plaque specimens as received | 3 | 3 | ||||
| Number of ignitions | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Maximum flaming time per specimen per flame application, sec | 30 | 30 | 10 | |||
| Maximum total flaming time, 5 specimens, 2 ignitions, sec | 250 | 250 | 50 | |||
| Specimen drips, ignites cotton | Yes | No | No | No | No | |
| Maximum afterglow time, per specimen, sec | 60 | 60 | 30 | |||
| Burn to holding clamp | NO | NO | NO | NO | NO | |
| Maximum flaming or glowing combustion time after 5th flame application, sec | 60 | 60 | ||||
| Maximum burning rate for specimens 3.0 mm to 13 mm thick over 75 mm span, mm/min | 40 | |||||
| Maximum burning rate for specimens less than 3.0 mm thick over 75 mm span, mm/min | 75 | |||||
| Plaque specimen exhibit burnthrough | Yes | No |
